Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-05-22
more would 1 have loved her as a

more would 1 have loved her as ,
mother!"
"True, my goodiboy: but it is useless
TO weep for the dead-tears will not re
call them, signs will not reach theil
ears!"
The conversation was interrupted by
the entrance of Major Mccullough.
"Well, the Free Rangers as they tern
themselves, are off" said he, as he came
in. 81 have Just left them all in high
glee and as careless about their late cap.
tsin's death as such wretches generally
are"
T am glad they are gone-that is, il
they'll stay away" said Mr.. Delorme.
There is no danger but what they
will" said the Major. "They know what
will be the penalty if they return, and
that will as surely execute it SIS live if
l see one of their faces on my range
again. What they do among the Next
cans l care not. 1 owe the whole cow
ardly nation grudge, and wish the angel
OF death would sweep over it every day 4!
But, Master Paul, had nearly forgotten
that have letter for you!"
"From whom?" asked Paul, as ne took
the letter.
"From Que who has some good left in
her heart in spite of her position and
recent conduct?" said the major. "Resd
the letter. do not know its contents;
but from her conversation l do not think
she has written anything to wound your
feelings, for she seemed to feel deeply
when explained all your last trouble
and your bereavement"
Paul opened the letter snd read it's
contents, which belong to the reader:
Paul Malerson,you are now in such deep
sorrow, such overwhelming trouble, that
pity you and feel that 1 can forego nv
intended revenge.
You have wronged fond heart, which
would have bled to death for you without
murmur; but of that no more. | do
not write to reproach you-you will re-
proach yourself whenever you think of
me, my desperation, my dark, unhappy
future. took up nay pen only to say
farewell. l will add other words-I for
give you; may you yet be happy! Fare
well! ADA.
The young man read it and sighed and
put it in his pocket, but made no remark
whatever.
when will you be ready 10 take the
field, or would it not be preferable for
you and Paul to stay at home instead of
going on this expedition" said the
MAJOR to Mr.. DelOrme.
owe will go tomorrow morning." saia
Mr.. Delorme, firmly. "He looks for
bride, for daughter; we would indeed
be dastards to stay at home while others
periled their lives upon the business
yUhipb nnorlu mr. SoIa
We will be fully prepared for the march
when the new day dawnS. 1t will help to
take our thoughts away from sad memo
ries here. The excitement of the field is
needed by both Of Us and will be our best
medicine!"
al am glad to hear you say so, sir; for
those who give way to grief only hurt
themselves, and do no good. My men are
all prepared and eagerly lanXious to see
work, and as surely as l live they shall
not be disappointed.
"Do you think that you c6n find their
trail, or at least follow it from the spot
where We last saw Stellar"
eyes, if they went in body, as with
their numbers they PROBABLY did fear
lesslv."
ga packet for Major Mccullough"
said a strange messenger with the dust
and sweat of travel on his brow, and he
handed scale packet to the ranger.
The latter opened it, and a splendid
diamond ring met his eye. Upon a slip
of paper were written these words:
Please wear this in memory Of one who
will never forget you, though she may
see you no more; for you have spoken
kind, brave words to her, and they are
planted in her heart. ADA.
The Major put the ring on his finger
and placed the paper carefully away in
an old and welI-worn pocket-book, then
turned to speak to the messenger, but he
was gone.
"There is a good heart in that girl, no
matter what she has been, or is, or may
be-" said the Major, in tone which
trembled with feeling. "In good cause
she would be a star-in bad one she'll
be the devil, Pm afraid; for she is bold
in her courage, cool, full of exDedients,
as she has already proven, and has a
power of command which few leaders
possess. She keeps that gang of cut
.hToats as obedient as whipped dogs. |
They fear her, and with that class TO
ear is to respect"
The Major said this much aloud, with
1ut thinking that Mr.. Delorme and Paul
we're standing by and listening to the
thoughts which he only muttered to him |
self. Blushing like girl caught in the |
lct of returning her lovers kiss, he ceased |
% speak, and turning on his heel said:
"The saddle call Will be sounded st dey- |
ight in the morning, gentlemen"
CHAPTER Tx.
1t was the dawn of another day; the /
osy herald rays of the rising sun were
hooting up the cold, blue side of the |
EASTERN sky, and the bugles of the Ran
,er5 were sounding the ever-cheering call
II "Boots end Saddles"
And then came q murmur of MANY
'oices, trsmpling and neigning of fiery
teeds, 3 gathering of arms and steel
hod hoofs and all the sounds of gather
ng force Ct men at arms.
The sun came up red and round in the
sky, and its bright rays fel.
Ipon the long line of mounted volunteers,
which was drawn up before the mansion
f MIR. Delorme to be inspected ere they
eceived the orders to ride on from their
rave and experienced leader.
He, accompanied by Mr.. DeIorme and
'aul was riding along the line, ell of
lSlA SpiSuO'ulS hOuhISu upOu O4OOuSu
orses, when shout from the extreme
1T of the line attracted their attention
0ward the gate.
"deevens! it is Lsgons; and female
with him. 1t mustibe Stella!" cried
Ir. Delorme, as he recognized the famous
'hite horse of Lsgons and the coal-black
teed upon which Stella had been rescued
t first from the Lipaus.
at is him, as sure as twice ten makes
Tenty! :" said the major, refining in bis
0Tse.
uStelia-mv SteIIai' murmurad PauI !